How habits and neuroplasticity shape change in Hypnotherapy
I’ve been reading The Habit Revolution by Dr. Gina Cleo, and it has struck me just how closely the ideas in this book align with the principles of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH). The key message is simple but powerful: lasting change doesn’t come from dramatic overhauls, but from small, consistent steps that gradually rewire the brain.
Why small habits work
Our brains are shaped by neuroplasticity - the ability to form and strengthen new neural pathways. Each time we repeat a behaviour, we make it easier for the brain to do it again. Over time, this creates habits that feel automatic.
The problem with big, dramatic lifestyle changes is that our brain hasn’t yet laid down the pathways to support them, so they often collapse under their own weight. By contrast, introducing one small, manageable habit gives the brain time to adapt, making it sustainable.
In SFH, we often use the Miracle Question to help clients imagine the future they want, then break that vision into small, realistic steps. Pairing this with guided relaxation and positive suggestion helps reinforce those new patterns, making them easier to maintain.
Dopamine and Motivation
Dopamine, often described as the brain’s “reward chemical,” plays a huge role in habit formation. When we achieve something—even small—we get a dopamine boost, reinforcing the behaviour. This is why tiny wins are so powerful: they literally rewire the brain to keep going.
My Personal Journey with Habits
I used to describe myself as someone with “an addictive personality.” But as I’ve learned more about dopamine and neuroplasticity, I’ve realised that this label is unhelpful. It implied something fixed, when in fact I’ve proven to myself that I can change.
Like many people, I still find myself scrolling late at night, pressing snooze, or reaching for food that doesn’t serve me well. But now I see this as human nature, not personal failure. By setting goals and focusing on small, positive changes, I keep moving in the direction I want to go—without expecting perfection.
Moving Forward
Change isn’t about willpower or doing everything at once. It’s about reinforcing small, consistent steps that create new wiring in the brain. This is where Solution Focused Hypnotherapy shines: it helps people focus on the future they want, and supports the brain in making those changes stick.
✨ If you’d like support with habit change, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help. Together we can harness your brain’s neuroplasticity to build healthier, more sustainable habits.
Further Reading I Recommend:
The Habit Revolution by Dr. Gina Cleo – practical strategies for lasting change
Habits of a Happy Brain by Loretta Graziano Breuning – how brain chemicals shape our habits
Make Change That Lasts by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee – nine simple ways to break free from habits that hold you back